Fall 2022

For the ODU Fall 2022 semester I (picture left) volunteered to work at the Naval Air Station Norfolk thrift store called the Treasure Shop. I volunteered with a fellow serviceman and ODU student Rey Talisayon (picture right). The store operates with volunteers including uniform consignment manager Mrs. Evelyn (picture center). The store focuses on reducing and reusing uniforms and household items to service members at discount prices helps to reduce the financial stress of those service members having financial difficulties. The profits from this are contributed to charities that function to provide food and financial assistance to service members in need. I found this community-based experience to be enlightening and gave me experience with the community that I will be serving in my future practice as a U.S. Navy Environmental Health Officer.

(Left): John White, (Middle): Brandon Clarida, and (Right): Rey Talisayon

I participated in the ODU Homecoming 2022 with the Public Health Student Association. I met with fellow classmates and fellow Navy members for the event “Claim Your Crown”. The event was a nice meet and greet with fellow service members and getting to know the PHSA and its members. The experience allowed me to establish new professional relationships with Environmental Health professionals and networking for my future career as a Navy Environmental Health Officer.